FOLLOWING an attack on a 50-year-old man on a footpath next to Tesco in Guildford, safety improvements in the area are set to take place.

The proposals are the result of a campaign to raise awareness, bring about developments in security along the path and obtain a higher level of police presence in the area.

Campaign co-ordinator Mike Chambers said the brutal attack last month, which left the man with severe head injuries, was truly disturbing and has shaken the local community.

As leaseholder, Tesco is responsible for the maintenance of the path, including foliage and lighting.

A meeting chaired by Anne Milton MP was subsequently organised between police, councillors and Tesco manager Jez Cooper – who did a joint site inspection on the footpath where the suspected robbery took place. As part of the initiative, a newsletter and petition were sent to all Ashenden Estate residents. More than 60% responded. This report was presented at the meeting.

According to Mike Chambers, a Conservative campaigner, the outcome of the gathering proved a success and each party committed to immediate action.

Surrey Police confirmed the force has designated the area a “default reassurance hotspot”.

Neighbourhood inspector JP Davis explained that a hotspot is an area targeted by the police where there is a public perception of crime.

“The reassurance hotspot is designated a default patrol area, so when these departments have availability, they steer resources towards the hotspot,” he explained. “The hotspot remains so for as long as is felt necessary.”

It was also confirmed that a police community support officer would be deployed in Onslow to support the neighbourhood police team’s on-foot patrols.

Tesco manager Mr Cooper will contact his head office to request removing a stretch of shrubbery and widening the footpath. He was also said to have committed to making a substantial investment into CCTV and lighting around the store and make shoppers feel safer.

A Tesco spokesman said the company gave its highest priority to safety of customers and staff at the Guildford store and that the matter was being pursued urgently.

“We will do all we can to improve the security following the terrible attack last month, and we are examining every option,” he added.

“Our meeting with Tesco and the police was very constructive and we are optimistic Tesco will make the necessary improvements to security features such as CCTV and lighting as a matter of urgency,” added Mike Chambers.

“We are also very pleased Surrey Police has committed to increasing their visible presence in the area. It does make residents feel safer, particularly in the evenings.”